The Charlotte Hornets’ season of struggles continued in Monday night’s 121-108 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. Rookie Brandon Miller left the game in the fourth quarter with a sprained left ankle after tweaking it twice—first stepping on someone’s foot near the bench, then landing awkwardly on a layup attempt. Miller, visibly frustrated, hobbled off with 12 points in 31 minutes. His return timeline is unclear.
The game also marked LaMelo Ball’s return after missing seven games with a calf injury. Ball contributed 15 points and 11 assists, showcasing his playmaking ability despite some rust. The Hornets (7-19) have been plagued by injuries all season, with their projected starting five sharing the court for the first time this year.
Miller has been a bright spot, averaging 21.5 points and shooting 35.3% from three, he is also 5.2 RPG, 3.5 APG, 0.8 BPG and 1.1 SPG, all career highs for the second year player. His absence, if extended, would be a major blow to a team already struggling to find its rhythm. For the Hornets to stay competitive, staying healthy is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.